is in the next big thing? >> we think it is the next big thing. we want to prevent crashes before they happen if we can. and we do have a lot of new technology like volvo city safety that can help drivers to avoid crashes. >> reporter: by comparing ininrance claims from volvoss that are equipped with city safety to other cars that are not, the institute determined that the system eliminates more than one-quarter of low-speed crashes. >> there is always the risk that the technology could make a mistake. but it's much more likely that a human could make a mistake because we're all so easily distracted. >> reporter: volvo will make city safety standard in four models by 2012. meanwhile, other car companies are racing to bring their own futuristic self-braking technology into the present. elisabeth leamy, abc news. >> just a few questions. one, does it work in rough weather, heavy rain, snow or ice? what if you're going 80? already viewers are weighing in. wnnfans.com. amanda says, i don't like this idea, i don't like to rely on a computer to keep me